The annual CTV Ottawa Food Drive has officially launched across the capital region today, bringing together community members, local businesses, and public figures in a collective effort to stock the shelves of the Ottawa Food Bank during its challenging summer months.
This morning at Parkdale Market, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as volunteers in bright red t-shirts collected the first donations of non-perishable food items and cash contributions. The summer initiative comes at a critical time when donations typically decrease but demand remains persistently high.
“We’re seeing unprecedented numbers of people turning to food banks right now,” explained Rachael Wilson, CEO of the Ottawa Food Bank. “Last year, we served over 55,000 people monthly – a 17% increase from the previous year. With inflation still affecting food prices, this summer drive is more important than ever.”
The launch event featured familiar faces from CTV Morning Live Ottawa, including hosts Annette Goerner and Stefan Keyes, who helped load donation boxes alongside city councillors and representatives from major sponsor Metro.
Unlike the holiday food drives that dominate December, summer campaigns face unique challenges. “People are traveling, kids are out of school, and food insecurity simply isn’t top of mind during these warm months,” Wilson noted. “But hunger doesn’t take a vacation.”
Local resident Marianne Thompson dropped off bags of pasta, canned vegetables, and peanut butter at the kickoff. “I’ve lived in Ottawa all my life, and I’ve never seen so many people struggling just to put food on the table,” she said. “If I can help even one family have dinner tonight, it’s worth the extra items in my grocery cart.”
The drive coincides with concerning new data from Statistics Canada showing that food inflation continues to outpace general inflation in Ontario. Basic items like fresh vegetables have seen price increases of nearly 5% year-over-year, putting additional strain on households already stretching their budgets.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who attended the morning launch, highlighted the growing need across diverse demographics. “What’s concerning is that we’re seeing working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and students all requiring assistance. This isn’t just affecting one segment of our community – food insecurity is touching lives across Ottawa.”
The campaign introduces several convenient ways for Ottawa residents to participate. Collection bins will be placed in Metro grocery stores throughout the city, while online donations can be made through the Ottawa Food Bank’s website with a special designation for the CTV drive. Additionally, text-to-donate options allow residents to contribute by texting “CTVFOOD” to 20222.
This year’s drive aims to collect 60,000 pounds of food and $100,000 in monetary donations by the end of August. Cash contributions are particularly valuable, as the food bank can leverage partnerships to multiply purchasing power.
“For every dollar donated, we can provide roughly $5 worth of food to those in need,” explained Wilson. “We can purchase fresh produce, milk, eggs and other perishables that don’t typically come through traditional food drives.”
Several Ottawa businesses have already stepped up with corporate challenges. Local tech company Shopify has promised to match employee donations up to $25,000, while Mattamy Homes has committed to donating $5 for every new home visitor to their Ottawa developments throughout July.
The initiative also focuses on addressing specific nutritional needs. “We’re particularly looking for protein-rich foods like canned tuna, beans, and peanut butter,” said Paul Beauchamp, food drive coordinator. “Baby formula, diapers, and personal hygiene products are also critically needed items that people don’t always think to donate.”
For Ottawa’s newest residents, the food bank has been a crucial support system. “When we arrived from Syria three years ago, the food bank helped us through those first difficult months,” shared Amira Khalil, who now volunteers at the organization. “Now I want to give back to the community that welcomed us.”
The campaign will feature weekly collection events at various locations, culminating in a day-long broadcast from the CTV Ottawa studios on August 31st. Community members can follow the progress through regular updates on CTV Morning Live and evening news broadcasts.
As I watched volunteers sort through the first wave of donations this morning, the generosity of Ottawa residents was clearly evident. Despite economic challenges affecting many households, the spirit of giving remains strong in our community.
To participate in the CTV Ottawa Food Drive, visit your local Metro store, text “CTVFOOD” to 20222, or connect with the Ottawa Food Bank directly through their website. Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger in our community.
